It might feel unrealistic, but to ESPN Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., it is a possibility.
Kiper released his latest mock draft on Tuesday morning, and in it, he had Alabama speed wide receiver Henry Ruggs falling to the Eagles at No. 21 overall.
Needless to say, with Ruggs on the board, he had the Eagles selecting him.
This pick should be the best wide receiver on their board. Philadelphia doesn't have many roster holes, but there's a big one at wideout. And really, if I'm running the Eagles, I would look at trading up a few spots to get my guy. I suspect they'd be thrilled to get Ruggs, who is one of the fastest players in this class but is underrated as a route runner. This is a roster that can win the NFC East again.
Ruggs was on the board at No. 21 because Kiper had three receivers — Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson — going ahead of him. Jeudy and Lamb are not surprising, but Jefferson going ahead of Ruggs would certainly be a shock on draft night. Some feel Ruggs will be the first receiver off the board. Ruggs falling into the Eagles lap at No. 21 overall feels extremely unlikely.
Needless to say, landing Ruggs without having to trade up would be a huge win for the Eagles, and send fans into an absolutely frenzy.
Ruggs is not only the fastest receiver in the draft, but he has excellent hands and fits exactly what the Eagles are looking for at receiver. With Ruggs on the field, and with a year to learn from DeSean Jackson, the Eagles would have the deep threat they have been trying to find for years. He would also fit perfectly with J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, the receiver the Eagles drafted in the second round last year.
Ruggs would be such a perfect fit that it wouldn't be surprising if he does start to fall, and gets past the Denver Broncos at No. 15, the Eagles try to move up to get him.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
